Everywhere we go

Downstairs at Dublin’s Tom Mayes pub, locals sip Guinness quietly in their own little worlds. It’s five minutes into the game vs. Newcastle at home and the action occupies a small screen in the corner – not that the punters seem to be paying much attention.

Knowing full well this is the home of Tottenham Hotspur’s official Irish supporters club, where fans meet to watch Pochettino’s men on a weekly basis, there’s definitely more to see.

“Is the game on in another room?” I ask the barman, who gestures upstairs as he takes my order. I’m directed through a door marked ‘Changing Room’ and reassured that my Guinness will be brought up behind me.

At the top of the stairs is another door with another sign, this one in the familiar club font reading: ‘Welcome to the Spurs Lounge – home of the Dublin Spurs’.

[linequote]At the top of the stairs is another door with another sign, this one in the familiar club font reading: ‘Welcome to the Spurs Lounge – home of the Dublin Spurs[/linequote]

A lilywhite wonderland lies beyond and as I take a seat the room is transfixed on the opening of this important Premier League fixture in mid-December, which could see us into the hallowed top four.

I’m torn between following the game and taking in all the wonderful memorabilia which demonstrates our great club’s rich history as well as present props including a Christmas tree decorated with Spurs baubles and pictures of Harry Kane as Jesus. Dublin flags and banners are also present and there are testaments to other clubs such as New York Spurs hinting at a tight, growing global network.

International supporter groups are nothing new. Fans have travelled from far and wide to support the club at the Lane for many years; it’s just that today we’re more exposed to it thanks to the Internet and social media.

At Mayes pub for Newcastle the members range from local Irish fans to people who have adopted the city as home and, like me and a separate group over from Tottenham, visitors who have been welcomed in for a few hours to witness the special dynamic.

At half time we are one nil to the good thanks to an Eric Dier header and an announcement confirms plans for food and a quiz at the final whistle. Guests are also reminded of the subtle €10 fee for an annual membership which includes food at games and inclusion in social events. It’s a lovely family to be a part of.

[linequote]On my way out of Tom Mayes pub, the downstairs bar is none the wiser. A game of football has been played and lost, plenty of Guinness has been had and the next fixture is already looming[/linequote]

What happened in the second half of the game thereafter makes clubs such as Dublin Spurs so relevant today, offering the chance to feel part of something through the good times and the bad, with real conversations and rituals fuelling the fire for the passion to grow.

Our first home defeat of the season has been hard to take. It came in a harsh way with the last attack of the game but credit to Newcastle and their commitment to the end. We’ll face sterner tests and if this young, talented team is to achieve what we’ve all been waiting over the past few years then this will be a lesson learned and an obstacle to overcome.

On my way out of Tom Mayes pub, the downstairs bar is none the wiser. A game of football has been played and lost, plenty of Guinness has been had and the next fixture is already looming. Whether you’ll be at a bar with your international network, following online in the UK or at the game, we can all do our bit to stay positive and committed to the cause in this exciting phase of the season so far.